Oklahoma City Thunder power forward/center Chet Holmgren will miss eight to 10 weeks due to a patellar tendon tear in his right knee, the team announced Friday night. Holmgren is the third Thunder starter sidelined long-term this week, joining forward Jalen Williams (fractured fibula, dislocated ankle) and guard Cason Wallace (torn labrum). The injury occurred Sunday during a game against the Clippers, when Holmgren experienced mild discomfort.
A specialist determined a "biological treatment" was needed to address the "small" tear. This marks the third significant injury for Holmgren since the Thunder selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft. He previously missed the 2022-23 season with a broken foot and a few months of the 2024-25 season with a fractured pelvis.
Despite the setbacks, Holmgren earned first-team All-Defensive and third-team All-NBA honors last season, averaging 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. Forward Jalen Williams underwent surgery Wednesday and will be reevaluated before the regular season ends. Guard Cason Wallace also had surgery Friday.
The Thunder's championship run now faces a significant hurdle with three key starters sidelined.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing